A Sociology of Preventable Disease States

Some of us have more of it than others.  Sometimes it shows up robust and unexpected.  Other times we must search the depths just to find a sliver of it.  But many times even a sliver can change lives.  What is this illustrious phenomenon, you ask?......none other than motivation.

It is with this word in mind that I watch my kids grow and reflect with wonder on the generosity and sacrifices that my parents, my wife, and other family and friends have made to ensure that my diabetes stays in check.  I acknowledge the fact that this disease does not exist in isolation.  It's not a little pill that's taken before bed and forgotten for 24 hours.  It's actually a lifestyle that involves the help and coordination of those closest to the patient.  Frustration, excitement, fear, accomplishment, confusion, comraderie, and temptation are all present in this community from time to time.  The patient's goals become common goals.

This communal aspect of diabetes brings me back to my original thoughts on motivation.  Because complications can be either prevented or prolonged (And in some cases of Type II, this applies to the disease itself), we hold an incredible opportunity to show our gratitude to our loved ones.  The motivation to remain controlled flows like a fire hydrant under the perspective of continuing the hard work of my parents, and living a long and healthy life with my wife and children.  It is the only thanks they want, and the only thanks that will even begin to come close to sufficing.

Diabetics get a bad rap because we don't take care of ourselves, we take a bag of meds, we have 13 doctors, we're always in the ER, we all have the same excuses, and we lie through our teeth about all of it.  I dare say this is the kind of reputation we get when we live for ourselves.  It is only under the purpose of living for others that we are able to find the motivation to take care of ourselves. 

What's your motivation?  If you don't have it, then find it.  And then........let's get less than seven, greater than low!   

  

Testing....testing......1-2-3

"I'm sorry, sir, but the insurance will not cover you to test that many times per day."

"I don't have any other patients testing that much, there must be some other issues going on.  I know your A1c is good, but you shouldn't have to test that often."

I've heard these lines and many others just like them, discouraging me from doing the only thing that gives me hard evidence as to how to manage my diet, insulin, and lifestyle: ........testing my blood sugar.  But as the Bible says, ask and you shall receive.  Consequently, every return phone call has resulted in insurance coverage, doctors heeding my request, and suppliers coming through.  Is it really that easy?  Yes.  It is that easy because even though my request may be unusual, it is completely reasonable and logical.  I am asking to have a better record of my blood sugar readings throughout the day.  Isn't that the key to managing diabetes?  Isn't that what decades of research and development have created with CGM's (continuous glucose monitor)?  Isn't that what helps us to recognize patterns and tendencies?  Yes, yes, yes.  And ultimately, it is what helps us to reduce complications and live longer.  Here are my 4 absolute testing times:

1. Before breakfast / Upon waking in the morining.
2. Before lunch.
3. Before supper.
4. Before bedtime. 


Testing in between these times can also be very helpful to determine post meal glucose, reaction to exercise or stress, and variable schedules.  I also recommend testing during the night if the bedtime glucose is out of range.  This will help to prevent dangerous hypoglycemia or long-term hyperglycemia.  Let's get less than seven, greater than low.